Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698941262208.pdf (South Africa)
NCOP DEBATE ON CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGY BY HON.

VR SHONGWE ON THE VIRTUAL PLATFORM 22/02/2022 @ 10h00 Chairperson of the House, Hon.Amos Masondo Deputy Chairperson of the House, Hon N.Lucas House Chairprson for Committees, Hon J. Nyambi Chief Whip of the National Council of Provinces, Hon.
S Mohai Colleagues from Provincial Cabinet in our midst; Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen I greet you all 1.Chairperson, it is indeed an honor and a privilege to partake in this debate 2.High levels of crime pose a serious threat to our emerging democracy.

1 Violent crime often leads to a tragic loss of life and injury, and the loss of possessions and livelihoods.
3.Crime results in the deprivation of the rights and dignity of citizens, and poses a threat to peaceful resolution of differences and rightful participation of all in the democratic process.

4.High levels of crime or perceptions instil a sense of fear in communities.

It also prevents many from taking their rightful place in the development and growth of our country.

5.It hinders our citizens from connecting with one another freely, from engaging in economic activity.
6.Crime further prevents entrepreneurs and investors from taking advantage of the opportunities which our country offers.

This then affects our economic growth and creation of much needed jobs.

2 7.The rights and freedoms which our beautiful Constitution entrenches are threatened every time a citizen becomes a victim of crime.

8.It is against this backdrop that crime prevention strategy was conceptualized as Government considers crime prevention as a national priority.
9.The National Crime Prevention Strategy is however, based on an ongoing programme of action which is being implemented across provinces.

In our case the following programme of action are implemented: 1.

SCHOOL SAFETY PROGRAMME We conduct various awareness campaigns in schools about bullying and unannounced school visits operation to search for dangerous weapons and substances e.g.

alcohol, dagga, cigarette etc.


3 We further take learners from identified schools to prisons as part of discouraging them from participating in criminal activities.

The programme exposes the identified learners to harsh conditions of life behind bars.

These and other activities are part of implementing of the broader School Safety Strategy.

2.
2.

TRADITIONAL POLICING In terms of Traditional policing, we apply collaborative and consultative approach with local traditional authorities to address issues of crime, safety and security in communities.

Furthermore, traditional are part of all programmes that the Department and its stakeholders implement on crime prevention.

4 3.

WHISTLE BLOWER PROTECTION We protect those who report corruption and crime or suspicious activities in and around the police stations and communities.

4.
4.

PHYSICAL POLICING We intensify police visibility and patrols in hotspot areas and conduct highway patrols.

5.

POLICE SAFETY STRATEGY Ensuring that police officers are safe inside and outside their police station premises through radio communication, fences, CCTV, alarms and all necessary equipment needed to protect police officers.

We also utilize all available platforms to mobilize communities against the killing or attacking the police.
5 Hence, we have come up with a slogan, Wa Bulal’ iphoyisa Wa bulal’umphakathi.

6.

CROSS BORDER OPERATIONS We will continue to intensify police visibility along the borders and ports of entry to do stop and search operations.

There are ongoing border security awareness campaigns conducted by the Department in collaboration with other stakeholders.

7.
7.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION Improving communications between communities and SAPS through structures such as CPFs remain critical in the fight against crime.

The Department is doing all in its might to ensure these structures are adequately supported.

We also utilize social media platforms to enhance efforts to communicate with the public.

6 Provision of MY SAPS application for smartphones users to allow them to submit tip-offs and any criminal or suspicious activities anonymously.

8.
8.

TOURISM SAFETY As part of contributing to economic growth and efforts, the Department will continue with all stakeholders to enhance tourism safety in communities.

We also interact with role players in the sector on regular basis towards to discuss ways in which safety of visitors can be enhanced.

We also deploy over 400 Tourism Safety Monitors who are deployed at tourist attraction areas across the province.

7 9.
7 9.

ORGANIZED CRIME Organised crime is being targeted through focused intelligence gathering efforts related to organised crime syndicates.

White collar crime is being addressed through a multifaceted approach which includes legislation to curb money laundering, special collaborative efforts between police and businesses.

10.
10.

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE Gender based violence and femicide crimes are receiving special attention through the establishment of specialized police units to investigate such crimes and the establishment of victim support centres.

The latest crime statistics clearly indicate that despite our efforts in combatting the scourge of GBV, it remains stubbornly high.
8 We have made great progress in terms legislative and policy reforms, but the quarterly statistics on crime released by the Police indicate that we still have lot of work to eradicate the scourge.

Just last week the Masoyi serial rape and murder convict, Julius Mndawe, was sentenced on all five murder cases.

Mndawe, allegedly killed five young women between 2018 and 2019.

There are many more life sentences which have been meted out to those convicted of these atrocious crimes.
This we believe will serve as a strong deterrent to would be offenders.

Through our public participation programmes, we will continue to mobilise communities against gender based violence.

9 Ladies and gentlemen, let us continue to work together because when we work we will defeat the criminality and our communities will enjoy the fruits of our hard earned freedom.

I thank you.

10